"I am officially withdrawing from the University of Oregon to pursue a professional career in the NFL," Thomas said in a prepared statement. "I want to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to the university and all of my teammates, coaches and fans. I look forward to staying connected to the university and visiting the sidelines as often as possible."

Thomas leaves with the third-most career yards in school history at 5,345, behind only former teammates LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. Thomas compiled an Oregon-record 1,885 yards on kickoff returns, and he averaged 17.1 yards per punt return, also a school record.